Ik Kil Cenote In Yucatán, Mexico – Ultimate 2024 Guide

Ik Kil Cenote is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful cenotes in Mexico! 

It’s also known to be one of the more popular cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula so make sure you get there early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

I have put together this complete guide to visiting Cenote Ik Kil including where it is, how to get there, the Ik Kil cenote hours, how much it costs, and what to expect when you arrive.

QUICK ANSWERS: IK KIL CENOTE MEXICO

Below are some quick answers to the most frequently asked questions from first-time visitors.

WHERE IS CENOTE IK KIL?

Ik Kil Cenote is located between the cities of Valladolid and Pisté in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico.

Click here to see the location on Google Maps.

From Valladolid, it’s approximately a 45-minute drive west to reach the cenote, and if you are heading east from Pisté, it’s a short 10-minute drive.

HOW TO GET TO IK KIL CENOTE?

If you have your own vehicle, getting to Cenote Ik Kil Mexico is very easy as it’s just off the main highway between Valladolid and Pisté.

There is a large parking lot at Ik Kil Cenote Mexico where you can safely park your car during your visit.

Yucatan Peninsula is said to be the safest place to drive in Mexico when it comes to getting behind the wheel, so it’s definitely an option to consider.

I always use Discover Cars to search for and book car rentals in Mexico, as they generally offer the best rates.

Alternatively, you have other options of taking a bus, hopping in a Collectivo, or grabbing a taxi to reach Cenote Ik Kil Mexico.

Taking a Collectivo to the cenote from Valladolid is quite simple and you can find them on Calle 39 about halfway down the street and also between Calle 44 and Calle 46.

The cost is around 35 MXN and they will drop you right at the entrance. Collectivo’s depart at multiple times throughout the day whenever they are full.

If you prefer to take a bus to the cenote, you can head to the bus station in Valladolid which is located on the corner of Calle 46 and Calle 39, and jump on board the Oriente Bus.

There are around 20 buses per day with the first one departing as early as 8:30 am.

WHAT IS THE IK KIL CENOTE ENTRANCE FEE & OPENING HOURS?

The Cenote Ik Kil entrance fee at the time of writing (February 2021) is 150 MXN for adults and 100 MXN for children.

The fee includes entrance to the cenote, lockers, and a life jacket, and you’ll also be given a wristband to wear during your visit.

Cenote Ik Kil opening hours are Monday to Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

ARE THERE ANY FACILITIES AT THE CENOTE?

The facilities resemble those of a public pool with many changing rooms, toilets, and lockers available.

Next to the changing rooms is where you can grab a lifejacket which must be worn if you plan to go swimming inside the cenote.

Before heading down the stairs into the cenote, it’s also mandatory to rinse off in the outdoor showers before going swimming. The purpose of this is to rid yourself of any sunscreen or skin oils, ultimately preserving the natural water inside.

Don’t forget to bring your towel, but if you do, you’ll be able to rent one from the stand inside. Make sure to bring cash with you as they won’t accept credit cards.

You can make full use of the facilities on offer by relaxing in one of the many hammocks or sunbeds that are scattered around the whole area.

There are also two restaurants, one being a buffet, and small shops that sell ice cream and drinks.

If you want to further maximize your time here, why not spend a night at Ik Kil Hotel and have it entirely to yourself in the early hours of the morning before the tour buses arrive?

BOOK NOW: Ik Kil Cenote Mexico Tour

WHAT TO EXPECT AT IK KIL CENOTE YUCATAN MEXICO

Personally, I think this is one of the best cenotes in the Yucatán Peninsula as it resembles a fairy tale scene!

It features leaves and vines hanging beautifully down from the top of the cenote and covering the walls until they reach the water.

Cenote Ik Kil Yucatan Mexico forms an almost perfect circular shape, and there is an internal concrete staircase making it very easy to access the inside.

On the way down the steps, there are a couple of viewpoints worth stopping at to take photos.

Once you reach the bottom, set your belongings down in a dry area against the wall and jump on in for a swim.

I highly recommend swimming out to the middle of the natural pool, floating on your back, and marveling at the open-air circle above. I guarantee you will be in awe and it’s the perfect opportunity to take it all in.

For the best shots of the cenote, you’ll need a waterproof camera such as a GoPro.

The temperature of the water is quite fresh but once you get swimming around you will warm up in no time. A wooden ladder makes it easy to get in and out of the Cenote.

RELATED ARTICLE: 20 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN TULUM

CLIFF JUMPING AT CENOTE IK KIL

If you are up for a bit of an adrenaline rush, try some cliff jumping from the edge of the staircase into the natural pool.

There are several jumping heights from about 3 meters and up to 5 meters along the staircase which is regulated by lifeguards at all times.

The cenote is 50 meters deep and the walls of the cenote are completely vertical which makes it a perfectly safe spot to cliff jump without having to worry about hitting anything on the way down. 

Fun fact: A couple of Red Bull Cliff Diving events were held at Cenote Ik Kil in 2010 which is another reason that made this cenote so well-known and popular.

But please, do not attempt to cliff dive from the top of the cenote, only from the staircase within the cenote itself is allowed.

Also, my personal recommendation is to take your quick-dry travel towel and slip-on waterproof shoes, both will come in handy when visiting the cenote.

RELATED GUIDE: 21 Things To Do In Isla Mujeres

My visit to Ik Kil was one of the best adventures I had in the Yucatan Peninsula and I can’t recommend this place enough!

Its natural beauty and unique features are what make this cenote one of the best in the area and it’s for sure not to be missed on your Mexico itinerary!

Hot Tip → Remember to get there as early as possible when doors open at 9:00 am as it’s a much better experience without hoards of other tourists around during the day.

Also, try to avoid visiting on a weekend because it’s a popular place for the locals to hang out too.

OTHER CENOTES IN VALLADOLID

Some other Cenotes in Valladolid that are definitely worth checking out are:

• Cenote Oxman
• Cenote Zaci
• Cenote Suytun

BEST TIME TO VISIT VALLADOLID

The best time to visit Valladolid is during the winter season from December to April. During this time there is little to no rainfall and the temperatures are just perfect. 

The rainy season in Valladolid is typically between May and October which sees higher temperatures due to the humidity.

The only plus side to visiting Valladolid during these months is there will be fewer tourists and prices are less inflated.

Colorful streets in Valladolid

BEST YUCATAN TOURS

WHAT TO PACK FOR MEXICO

When visiting Mexico, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

FINAL THOUGHTS – IK KIL CENOTE MEXICO

Before ending, I want to point out that the name is “Ik Kil Cenote” and not “Il Kil Cenote” or “Cenote Ikil” or “Ik Kill” – This will help you find your way around if you decide not to join a tour.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article and if you have any questions at all about this cenote please leave me a comment below this post and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

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